A nursing tradition that symbolically welcomes aspiring nurses into the profession, the ceremony signifies the completion of the nursing program. Dawn Lopez, Lead Instructor of the College’s nursing program in Santa Maria, will present SBBCollege-unique nursing pins to the newly-graduated students.Graduates will be receiving their nursing caps during the ceremony as well, which are traditionally awarded to students who are ready to enter the field for clinical training.

This is the 3rd pinning ceremony the College has given for graduates of the nursing program. Along with awarding of the pins, the ceremony will include a welcome address from the College’s Campus Director, Alfred J. Schuermann, as well as speeches from students in the graduating class.

Campus Director Schuermann is excited for these students and their achievements. “I’m very proud of all of these students,” Schuermann said, “they’ve finished a challenging program and they’re well prepared to go out into the healthcare industry. They’ll take good care of people.”

The nursing graduates will also participate in a general graduation ceremony with the business, legal and medical graduating classes of SBBCollege’s Santa Maria campus on August 27th.

The graduating class of nurses include:
Desiree Carr
BJ Castaniaga
Heather A Doty
Marecar Evalle
Sandra Fry
Melissa Hepler
Tiffany Quinn
Connie Tarrant
Kathyrine Valdez
Jesse Wallace

After graduating from the program, nursing students will begin preparations to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX), administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

SBBCollege nursing students are well prepared for the exam. In 2009, the pass rate for NCLEX by the College’s Santa Maria nursing graduates was 92%. The average pass rate for the state of California is 70%.

The Santa Barbara Business College vocational nursing program is 14 months long, and includes clinical training that gives students real-world work experience in the nursing field before they graduate. Graduates are prepared for positions in hospitals, long-term care and private practice environments.

Enrollment for the nursing program at SBBCollege’s Santa Maria, Bakersfield and Palm Desert campuses is currently in progress. Currently, there is no waiting list.

To learn more about the nursing program at SBBCollege, click here or call 1-866-610-SBBC.

Check out these recent SBBCollege success stories…

In the Palm Desert area, several recent SBBCollege medical graduates are now working at urgent care centers as medical assistants. Just a few months ago, these graduates were just like you…searching for a better job and a better life for their families.

A degree-seeking SBBCollege business student is working as an assistant manager at a local retail store. This student was introduced to the employer through our externship program and began working even before they graduated!

At SBBCollege, we give students the skills necessary to prepare them for a rewarding position in their chosen career field. With hands-on training and real-world classroom experiences, our students are well prepared for today’s high-demand career fields. SBBCollege graduates benefit greatly from the employer relationships the College develops in the communities we serve.

Take a look at these real-life success stories…*

An SBBCollege business student is now working as a marketing assistant at a widely recognized realtor’s office in Palm Springs.

Several recent criminal justice graduates have been placed in local government counseling sites as residential counselors.

A business program graduate from SBBC is enjoying a new career in human resources with a major retailer in La Quinta.

Several students from the College’s fitness training program are now working at major fitness centers as personal trainers in the Coachella Valley.

A recent graduate from the medical assisting program is now employed at an orthopedic center in Rancho Mirage.

Another SBBCollege medical assisting graduate is now working at a cardiology office in Apple Valley.

Two SBBCollege business students have been placed at local chapters of major medical associations in marketing and administrative positions.

All of these working professionals were once in the same position you are. It takes just one call to SBBCollege, and we’ll help you from there. They did it. You can too!

Please call 1-866-610-7222 or click here for more information about the affordable job training and degree programs offered at SBBCollege in Palm Desert.

*For privacy issues, we can’t disclose the names of the locations of student externship sites or locations of where our graduates were hired, but we are happy to be able to tell you all the exciting things our students and grads are doing in the community!

Job Prospect: Vocational Nursing

Are you studying Vocational Nursing but still not sure of all the career options? Are you considering moving into the Vocational Nursing program but first want to know what jobs would be available? Read on to see what the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook has to say about Vocational Nurses and all of the practical career opportunities.

Nature of Work: Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) care for those who are sick, injured, disabled or convalescent, under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Basic duties include record vital signs, bedside care, prepare and administer injections, monitor catheters, dress wounds, perform routine lab tests, gather information and help keep patients comfortable. LVNs can work in many areas of health care, including specialized settings such as a doctor’s office, nursing home or home healthcare.

Training: LVNs must complete a State-approved training course in practical nursing. Most programs are about a year in length and consist of a combination of classroom study and clinical practice. After completion, students must pass the LVN certification examination - National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN), administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Other qualifications: LVNs should also exhibit a sympathetic, caring nature and be emotionally stable and observant. They should also have good communication and decision-making skills.

Advancement: In healthcare settings such as nursing homes, LVNs can advance to charge nurses who supervise other LVNs and aides. LVNs can also become specialized in specific medical areas such as long-term care or gerontology. Many LVNs choose to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through further training.

Employment: In 2008, LVNs held about 760,000 jobs in the U.S., with 28% working in nursing care facilities, 25% in hospitals and another 12% in physician offices. Other employment opportunities include home healthcare services, residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, community care facilities for the elderly, employment services and Federal, State, and local government agencies.

Job Outlook: Between 2008 and 2018, LVN employment is expected to grow 21%, much faster than average. This demand increase is contributed to by an increase in the older population, due to the fact that they have a higher incidence of injury and illness. Also, nowadays people are living longer, causing the demand for long-term healthcare to increase. Additionally, many medical procedures once solely performed in hospitals are now being offered at a physician’s office and out-patient care centers - areas where LVNs work.

Still have questions about LVNs? Questions about SBBCollege’s Nursing Program? Click here for more information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm

What is your name? Carlos Lopez-Vazquez

When did you attend SBBCollege? October 2008 to December 2009

What did you study? Vocational Nursing

What is one of your favorite parts about your time at SBBC? The staff was very helpful. I also made use of the LRC (Learning Resource Center) resources a lot, especially the study rooms to hold study groups with classmates.

What was your biggest challenge at SBBC and how did you overcome it? I worked full-time while I attended school which required staying up late to do homework and then waking up early again.

What is your career goal? To be a Nurse Practitioner.

What did you do immediately after graduation? I had to figure out whether or not I wanted to continue my education. I decided to do so and am now in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through Indiana State University. In the next month I am also going to start attending University of Phoenix for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. Psychology has always been something that I wanted to study along with nursing.

Have you taken your exam to be a Licensed VN? Not yet. I am still waiting for the date. I should be able to take it in about a month.

Where are you currently working? Good Samaritan Hospital and Crestwood Behavorial Health Center.

What is your job title? Mental Health Worker.

What are some of your job responsibilities? I assist the nurses and doctors, observe clients, and run group activities.

What skills that you learned in the classroom can you apply in your current job? The Psychiatric Nursing section helped a lot. I learned about coping mechanisms for patients and how to communicate with the patients.

What is your favorite part about your current job? Helping clients with their programs.

What advice would you pass on to future LVN students? If you really want it, you’ll work at it and you’ll make it. Ask questions whenever you have them. There is no dumb question!

How are you connected with SBBCollege now? I come by regularly (a couple times a week) to help tutor and mentor current students.

What do you do when not at school or work? I enjoy working out, photography, shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Anything else you want to add? I want to thank Ms. Walley. She is great. She got us through the program and taught us everything we needed to know. Also, I don’t think that I would have been able to make it through school without the strength from my LORD, Jesus Christ.

Thanks Carlos, and good luck with your plans in the future!

Don’t take our word for it, just look at Kathy Gruver, an SBBCollege massage therapy instructor.

From “Massage Magazine” online, Kathy Gruver “has more than two decades and more than 10,000 hours of hands-on experience in medical massage and natural health. She has been a featured expert in dozens of publications including First Women, Discover, SB Fitness and The Calgary Sun.”

Kathy Gruver recently released a new book - The Alternative Medicine Cabinet, a “must-have for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of natural health and mind-body medicine.”

Another SBBCollege instructor excelling in the wellness field is fitness instructor Apollo Alva.

Apollo Alva, a former U.S. Marine, teaches our students how to become personal trainers.  He has successfully opened two fitness centers - Alva’s Fitness - and has been featured on Eyewitness News highlighting his success in the field.

SBBCollege is also home to experts in the fields of business, criminal justice, paralegal studies, medical assisting, nursing and more!

Want to know how you too can learn from these expert instructors?

Click here for more info, or call 1-866-610-7222.

Sources: Massagemag.com; Alvasfitness.com

Did you know it takes an average of 3 to 4 years to graduate from a community college? And if you plan to transfer to a 4-year university after community college, that takes another 2-3 years. 

That sounds like a long time right?

Well, SBBCollege students can graduate in less than two years! There are no waiting lists and you don’t have to fight to get into the classes you need. We plan out your complete schedule for you. No worries. No headaches. Once started, our programs focus on the subjects that our students will actually be doing in their chosen career fields. This enables our students to graduate and start working sooner - which means earning a paycheck faster!

“I chose SBBCollege because it was fast, it was something that was going to let me get my education quick and I [didn’t] want to go four years to school…” - Michelle P., Medical Assisting

At SBBCollege, you’re not just a number.

Another great thing about Santa Barbara Business College is our small class size. I’ve talked to a lot of students who previously attended a community college or university and complained of the class size. There would be so many students in their classes that it prevented them from fully understanding the material or from contacting their professor. At SBBCollege, our small class size provides more one-on-one time with instructors, and gives our students the perfect learning environment - our students don’t get lost in the crowd!

“I picked SBBCollege because the classes are smaller. You don’t feel so nervous answering a question or worrying about people making fun of you because you asked a certain question” - Brittany H., Medical Assisting

We even help you find a job.

SBBCollege also has a great Career Services department that works with each of our students with job-placement. Our programs even include externships - where our students receive real-world experience in their chosen career field before they even graduate. This gives our students the experience and confidence to be more competitive in the workforce.

“I graduated in 2007 with an A.S. in Criminal Justice…even now, the career counselor calls me to see how I’m doing and to give me more job opportunities” - Kellie R., Criminal Justice

An Affordable, Historic College

Santa Barbara Business College is an accredited, private college that specializes in short-term, hands-on career training. We’ve been around since 1888, and have five campuses all around Southern California, plus classes offered Online. Career training and degree programs offered in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Medical Assisting, Nursing and many more!

Sound good to you?

Click here for more info. Or call 1-866-610-7222.

The Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal credential is key to respect and opportunity throughout the legal profession. Whether the preferred term is ‘paralegal’ or ‘legal assistant,’ the CLA/CP certifies that the person has passed a demanding examination of the skills and knowledge needed to provide paralegal services. Earning this credential is a proud achievement, and maintaining the right to use it is a career long commitment.

The National Certification Exam (CLA/CP) is offered nationally, 3 times a year consisting of 2 days, Friday and Saturday. Certification must be maintained through continuing education every 5 years.

Exam Prep Seminar

Committed to servicing the community, SBBCollege is now offering to their students and area paralegals an exam preparation seminar. This seminar is primarily a review of the substantive law, ethical guidelines and legal writing - all areas tested on the exam.

The SBBCollege Exam Preparation Seminar & CLA/CP 2010 Exam schedule 

Seminar Dates: CLA/CP Exam Dates:

Seminar 1 - June 19th & 26th; July 3rd &10th  July 23rd & 24th

Seminar 2 - October 29th; November 6th, 13th & 20th December 3rd & 4th

Seating is limited, enroll early!

For more information, contact Debra Marker at 805/339-2999 ext. 1211 or DebraM@sbbcollege.edu

Over the last few years, SBBCollege in Ventura noticed a growing number of adult students applying to the school without a high school diploma. While the College accepts students without diplomas in some circumstances, many individuals were being left behind. “We felt a need in the community to do more to help those without high school diplomas,” says Matthew Johnston, Santa Barbara Business College President. With Ventura County’s high school drop-out rate around 20% and roughly 9% of Ventura households with no high school diploma, SBBC decided to offer a free GED prep program in addition to the College’s regular degree and career-training programs.

“I’m glad that we can offer the GED prep program, especially because we heard from our students that some of the adult schools had waiting lists,” Para-Education Coordinator Alissa Whiteley said. “The GED test can be daunting for a lot of students, especially those who have been out of school for many years. We help them with their fundamental reading and math skills, as well as the other subjects on the exam. We felt it was important to offer a personalized approach to help them succeed.”

SBBCollege in Ventura is located at 4839 Market St. Founded in 1888, Santa Barbara Business College trains students for careers in Business Administration, Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Medical Office Systems, Medical Assisting, and other in-demand fields.

For more information, contact Alissa Whiteley at (805) 339-2999 ex 1216.

“Massage Therapy has always been a passion of mine and I had thought about it a lot. One day I randomly looked up nearby schools that offered the education and experience that I was seeking…The other schools I looked into seemed impersonal, but SBBC felt right. The staff and instructors were incredibly welcoming and I don’t know how I could have succeeded without them. I knew this was the school I wanted to attend; not one day have I ever regretted my decision to take the plunge. I’m confident in my knowledge and capability and can enter the workforce with my head held high. Everyone has his or her story to tell, but this is mine and it has a happy ending that has changed my life for the better. Thank you SBBC; you helped make me a better person.”

- KaSaundra W. - October 2009 Massage Therapist Graduate

Want more info on how you can get started? Click here .

Here is the graduation speech of proud graduate, Joel M. - Fitness Trainer. Read how he came to SBBCollege, overcame challenging obstacles and is now a successful trainer.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2009 Santa Barbara Business College Graduation Ceremony.

I would like to start off by thanking Marsha Celesta, Peter Conrad and staff for choosing me to speak here today. It is an honor and privilege to stand before you.

I would like to take this time and congratulate the class of 2009 and to all those students that reached Honor Roll or received perfect attendance awards.

Those awards that you received are not just a piece of paper with fancy writing. They are tools for the future. So show them to everyone.

For those of you that don’t know me or know my story, I just want to share a little bit of why I am here today. I am here by fate.

About two years ago, I was hit in the head with a bat and paralyzed from my knees down. You’re probably asking, how is that fate?

Well, when I was going through therapy and learning how to walk again, it made me realize that I too could help people by being fit and staying healthy. By being a personal trainer, I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Currently, I am a trainer at Toscana, a very high -end exclusive Country Club. I also work for the YMCA, teaching Youth Fitness and Nutrition.

So thanks to SBBCollege, I am making a living and having fun doing a job I enjoy.

You know when I started here at SBBCollege, I was nervous and still a little unsure about going back to school. But look at me now standing before you wearing this funny looking hat and gown.

I want to take this opportunity to thank SBBCollege staff, from Marsha and Peter, the Deans of the Campus, to the teachers for taking time and effort to pass on their knowledge. Thanks to the fine office staff who make this campus run so smoothly. And to the people I love mostly - my wife Dana, my son Dillon and my mothers-in-law Becky & Gwen. Thank you for your support. I love you very much.

In closing, to all the graduates - Congratulations & keep up the good work! Good luck to you all, and remember, success does not come to you - you have to go and get it!!

Thank you & God Bless.

- Joel